Acne awareness month | Managing your acne

Hello everyone!

The American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS) declared June, National Acne Awareness Month back in 2009 to bring awareness to the issue and inform health care providers about acne.  

As I already told you, I've been battling acne since I was 11 or 12 years old and it is not easy.  Today I want to give you some tips:

1. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating.
2. Commit to washing your face before and after your workout.  Sweat can get trapped under your make-up and potentially cause acne, and post-workout session sweat can cause more acne.
3. Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. 
4. Don't forget to change your pillowcases regularly.  If you use your cases for days on end without changing them, they can cause the dead skin cells and other bacteria to transfer on your face.
5. Wipe your glasses.  If you wear glasses regularly, "dirt" (oil, sweat, make-up) will quickly build up on the frames and nose piece. This "dirt" can easily transfer to your skin and lead to breakouts.
6. Make sure you clean your phone daily.  The phone can accumulate huge amounts of bacteria because it is constantly handled.
7. Keep your hands off your face.  Touching your skin throughout the day can cause more acne.
8. If you spend a large amount of time indoors, especially in an air-conditioned room, it can affect your skin.  The AC takes away the moisture out of the air and will leave your skin feeling dry and prone to irritation.
9. Let your skin heal naturally.  If you pick your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.
10. Feed your skin from the inside out by eating healthier foods.  Look for foods with lots of vitamins and antioxidants.
11. Drink lots of water!  You will hydrate your skin and help get rid of toxins.
12. Consult a dermatologist if:

• Your acne makes you shy or embarrassed.
• The products you've tried have not worked.
• Your acne is leaving scars.

Also, check out some of my previous acne related posts:

• Know your products: comedogenic and irritating ingredients 
• Adult acne and hormonal imbalances
• The beauty benefits of exercise
• DIY: Blemish killer stick
• The soothing properties of basil
• MORE acne posts and DIY recipes!

I hope you found this helpful!  If you have any questions or tips leave them in the comments section below.

Have a great day!